Tatler: Alphabet City

T is for Tingkat

In this illustration, the painted peonies on the tingkat (a traditional stacked lunchbox) come to life, growing and blooming beyond their surface. This symbolizes both the continuity of tradition and the organic, living nature of cultural heritage. The tingkat itself represents a practice still seen in Singapore today—bringing home food in reusable containers rather than disposable packaging. It’s a heartening sight that keeps tradition alive while being environmentally conscious.

This piece was commissioned for Alphabet City, a monthly feature in our print magazine, where artists interpret a letter of the alphabet through something they love about Singapore. Tingkat embodies a beautiful blend of nostalgia and sustainability—an everyday object that carries both history and purpose.